Australia’s luxury boat builder Riviera is preparing its largest-ever shipment of motor yachts to the United States – 15 vessels valued between $1.6m and $6.8m. The yachts, ranging from 43 to 72 feet, will be craned onto a cargo ship at the Port of Brisbane from early September, ahead of a 34-day journey to Florida for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 29.
The shipment is not only a record for Riviera but is believed to be a world first, the largest number of yachts ever loaded onto a single cargo vessel. It reflects the strength of Australia’s $10 billion boating industry, which employs over 35,000 people.
Riviera exported its first yacht to the U.S. in 1982, and today the country is its largest market. Owner Rodney Longhurst said the complex logistics, from shrink-wrapping and cradle transport to tide-dependent loading, make the achievement a proud milestone for the Gold Coast team.
Australians are also embracing boating in record numbers, with 2.33 million licensed operators in 2024 (up 8% since 2019) and 902,000 registered vessels nationwide.
